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IT’S A NEW YEAR AND YOU WANT TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. SO WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?
[ plus[ Mastering the Mind, Inspire a Happier Workforce, and Go Mobile to Drive Sales.
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Work in tight spaces. Not out of them. Introducing the All-New Mercedes-Benz Metris. The Metris gives you plenty of room to work inside, when space is limited outside. As Canada’s only mid-size work van, it easily navigates narrow back alleys and underground garages. Smaller than a full-size van. Bigger than a compact van. The Mercedes-Benz Metris is built to fit your work — wherever your work takes you.
Š2016 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Performance Mercedes-Benz | 371 Ontario Street | St. Catharines | 905-685-3838 | performancemercedes.ca
A Taste of Italy in Every Bite
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort. 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 pranzoniagara.com | 905-353-7174 | facebook.com/pranzoniagara Complimentary parking for dining guests.
MEAT... DONE WELL ALL YOU CAN EAT CUTS OF MEAT Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse brings the flavours of Southern Brazil to Niagara. Guests feast on unlimited cuts of meat carved tableside. Enjoy the delicious preparations of our gaucho chefs along with our gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian side-dishes, and award-winning wine list.
Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort. 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 brasaniagara.com | 905-353-7187 | facebook.com/brasaniagara Complimentary parking for dining guests.
L ive E n ter t a i n m e n t N i g h t ly C rea t i ve C o c k t a i l s Open Daily Fro m N o o n
Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort. 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 spycelounge.ca | 905-354-7887 | facebook.com/spycelounge Complimentary parking for dining guests.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR FALLSVIEW DINING EXPERIENCE Three Course Dinner
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Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview, directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort. 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 watermarkrestaurant.com | 905-353-7138 | facebook.com/watermarkfallsview Complimentary parking for dining guests.
meet the
CONTRIBUTORS JILL THAM
GABRIELLE TIEMAN
Convinced she would have made a better teen in the 80s instead of the 90s, Jill’s passion for writing came after seeing the movie Stand by Me. When Jill is not moonlighting as a freelance writer, she is an Elementary teacher juggling her three children. Along with being a regular contributor to Today Magazine, Jill’s articles have been featured in Canadian Running, Pedal, Allergic Living and @OECTA. jilltham. wordpress.com @JillBT
Gabrielle is a writer for REV Publishing and passionate about the written word. A newcomer to Niagara, Gabrielle is a graduate of the University of Ottawa's Journalism program and has written for a number of newspapers and publications across Canada. Her passion lies in profiling members of the community and uncovering the hidden gems within a city. When she is not writing you can find her on her bicycle - most likely with a large coffee in hand.
FLAVIO IAMMARINO PH.D., SW.,C.CHT Renowned for his amazing ability to affect profound change in people within an impressively short period of time, Flavio works with professional athletes, corporate clients and individuals. He has trained and instructed in the martial arts for over 30 years. He has established an excellent reputation as an effective and skilled therapist working largely on referrals from physicians, psychologists and lawyers.
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 7
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Elegance with an edge. In the all-new 2016 Lexus RX, the luxury crossover has a bold new edge. With a chiselled exterior, elegant interior, exceptional performance, agile handling and advanced safety technologies, the fourth-generation RX offers the next phase in relentless innovation – including the first ever RX Hybrid F SPORT.
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262 Lake Street | St. Catharines | 905-934-3336 | 1-800-240-4194 | performancelexus.ca *Complete Lexus price includes Freight/PDI ($1,995), Enviro Fee ($27.85), Air Tax (100), OMVIC Fee ($5.00). Taxes, license, registration (if applicable) and insurance are extra. Dealer order/trade may be required. Offers are subject to change without notice. See Performance Lexus for details.
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Innovation 13
TIME FOR AN UPGRADE
17
GOING MOBILE
19
CREATING A POWERFUL STARTUP TEAM
Now that we’re approaching the end of another year, we take a look at a few of the best gadgets and toys that can help get you to the next level and start the next year off right. In order to remain competitive, you need to offer these services. The eight types of people you need to succeed.
Tool Kit 26
TAKING YOUR MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO THE NEXT LEVEL It’s 2016 – a new year; new expectations. WIth so many mediums and outlets putting together a marketing plan can be daunting. Here we’ve broken it down. The new way to do business is still the old way - with a few social considerations.
35
THE IMPORTANCE OF BRAND AWARENESS When people recognize your brand, developing trust, building relationships, and making sales becomes natural.
36
IMPROVING YOUR COMPANY’S IMAGE
38
SEO TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
40
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
You can’t survive with just a storefront and a product anymore. Having a website rank well in the major search engines is a competitive advantage for a modern business, but there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about how exactly to achieve this. Instagram has emerged on the social media scene as a sudden and unexpectedly powerful way for businesses to connect with their customer base.
Lifestyle & Culture 47
PURPOSE IS POWERFUL
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54
MASTERING THE MIND
Millennials flock to socially responsible companies.
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You are what you think: anything is possible with the right belief system in place.
Destination Profile 57
EXPLORE WESTERN NEW YORK Need a little excitement this winter? From the Seneca casino properties to the Allegany Mountains, Western New York is sure to deliver.
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 11
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FIRE! BUSINESS A TOTAL LOSS. It was a sad scene over at the Bertrand Digital Company after the disastrous fire last week. I hope they were properly protected by their Insurance Policy. THESE ARE HEADLINES WE DON’T LIKE TO READ, BUT ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN.
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INNOVATION
T I M E
F O R
A N
UPGRADE BY JUSTIN SOUNGIE
All the new gadgets and toys that come out everyday seem like one big blur. Life gets busier and we get less and less time to worry about which of them are worth a second glance. Now that we’re approaching the end of another year, let’s take a look at a few of the best pieces that can help get you to the next level and start the new year off right. >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 13
source: thetileapp.com
source: amazon.com
FITBIT CHARGE HR | $179.99 | fitbit.com This is one of the most popular items out this past year but it’s not only for the health nuts and physical enthusiasts. This device lets you know what your body is doing in real time. No counting or guessing. It lets you know how many steps you have taken, stairs you’ve climbed, distance travelled, calories burned, heart rate and even your sleep patterns. It even sends you reward notifications on milestones you accomplish, such as 10, 000 steps taken! We get busier by the year and committing to daily exercise is a daunting task for most to accomplish. But this does more then just figure out calories and exercise, by showing you what your body is actually doing throughout the day. It helps you be accountable and encourages you to move just a bit more. It comes with an app you can download on your Apple or Android device to get an easier glance at everything. It was built with practicability and affordability in mind and is great for even the non-tech savvy among us to use easily. TILE | $25 | thetileapp.com We lose everything on a daily basis from time, to our keys. We haven’t gotten far enough with technology to help you out with time but there is something for your keys, wallet, and other commonly misplaced things. The Tile comes with an app for your Apple and Android device to find your lost item via Bluetooth (up to 100 feet away) or even use their “lost network” to set your marked item as
lost and you will receive notification when it hits the Tile network. You can even do the opposite to find your lost phone and keep a tile handy to use as a button to make your phone ring loudly so you can locate it. People have used Tile for everything from lost luggage on the other side of the world to losing their keys in dark movie theatres. It won’t give you back lost time but it may save you from losing more time searching. NEST THERMOSTAT | $249.00 | nest.com The never-ending battle of the thermostat. In the morning it may be a bit chilly so you turn up the heat a bit, just to later on be a little too hot. And when no one is in the house all day no one is benefiting from the temperature. The Nest thermostat is the thermostat that takes the time to learn your patterns. It offers an app on your Apple or Android device so you can change your thermostat now or preset it for later on. The more you use the app, the more it learns your patterns and sets itself. You are able to install it yourself easily in about a half hour and it even gives you an accurate report to let you know how much you are reducing that hydro bill. Save money, the environment, and be comfortable anytime of the day while doing it. HOLY STONE MINI RC DRONE | $119.00 | amazon.ca We are constantly bombarded with new apps with games to help kill time in our off –time. The Holy Stone Mini RC Drone brings
source: youtube.com
source: amazon.com
out the inner child in us all while also having the excuse of receiving increased coordination and elevated concentration. Drones are becoming the new generation’s version of remote control cars. But this model really does have a bit of a learning curve and the creators developed the drone’s soft bumpers with that in mind. The entire drone is very well built and the parts, if you really are rough on it, are easy to replace. This can be used indoor or outdoors and works with a gaming console type controller to navigate the air. It has about 8-10 minutes of flight time on a full battery and has about a hundred foot range. It’s a great model for a beginner and brings passing time a new level. PNY MOBILE DEVICE POWERPACK PORTABLE CHARGER | $19.99 | bestbuy.ca These days, our phones have become something most people can’t imagine living without for an hour, never mind a whole day. They do everything from keeping us in touch with everyone via calls, texts, or emails to day-to-day banking. We rely on our phones to automate and ease many tasks we perform day to day and sometimes an extra cable in the car isn’t an option. PNY Powerpack is one of the many highly rated mobile charging devices that can be carried with you for an emergency boost. Whether you are in the middle of a phone call on a campsite or just in a meeting and realized your forgot to charge your device, the Powerpack is small and easy to keep on hand. TM source: amazon.com
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 15
EXPLORE MORE.
â„¢
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WANT TO DRIVE SALES? go mobile. (NC) –As the trend towards online and mobile payments continues to grow in Canada, small businesses need to offer these services and provide mobile payment options to remain competitive. “To grow and prosper, small business owners need to provide a better customer experience as well as find ways to run their business more efficiently,” says Sarah Adams, vice-president of small business at RBC. “Helping these entrepreneurs understand the tools available to make that happen can drive sales and increase their chances for success.” Adams provides tips for choosing your mobile business solutions: • Determine your needs – Calculate how many transactions you’re doing each month, and where you’re doing business to identify the features you’ll need in a mobile payment solution. • Look for solutions that don’t require new infrastructure – Use web-based solutions and apps that can instantly turn
your tablet or smartphone into a payment terminal, as well as help manage your transactions and receipts, and provide easy historical search. • Choose solutions that will save you time – As a busy business owner you can benefit from mobile solutions that make day-to-day transactions more convenient. • Take advantage of all the features – To really improve efficiency, take the time to learn about the features provided by the solution or app such as viewing account balances or making transactions on a mobile device that will help you speed up business processes, reduce operating expense, and streamline reporting. • Look for payment options that improve your customer’s experience – Allowing customers to choose between debit, credit or cash can help you make the sale on the spot. More information on taking your business mobile is available at www.rbcroyalbank.com/mobile/cheque-deposit. www.newscanada.com TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 17
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creating a POWERFUL START UP TEAM How should you start your startup team? The success or failure of your startup largely depends on the type of people you have on your company’s team. Seeing as nine out of ten startups fail, it is important to have a great team to ensure your chances of making it in the business world. Here are the types of people you need in your startup team. >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 19
THINKER
WORKER
Your team will need an employee (or employees) who can get things done with precision and efficiency. Startups always have a lot that needs to get done and companies can’t just have their employees lazing around and doing nothing. Ideally, everyone should be a worker, but some people might need to get the dirty work done.
THE
The expert is the one who knows how to get things done. They may have years of experience in your field of choice, or they might have spent hours and hours of extensive studying during their college courses. Either way, the expert is the one who will know what to do in every situation.
THE
EXPERT
THE
LEADER
THE
Every team needs a leader that can steer his or her followers in the right direction. In most cases, this will probably be the person who started the company, but founders should never be scared to bring in a little extra help in case they need some assistance. Leadership isn’t for everyone, but it is a very important role that needs to be filled.
Your team needs someone with brains and creativity. Someone needs to come up with new ideas and plans that will help move the team and the company forward, and develop outof-the-box ideas that will amaze your audience and crush your competitors.
The end goal of most companies is to make money, so you certainly need someone who can help you do that. You need someone who can tell you how much you need to spend and if your finances are in danger of running out.
Once your product or service is ready to be released out into the world, you need to make sure that it will produce the results that you want. A marketer can help you reach the right audience and ensure that they are excited about what your company has to offer.
PUBLIC FACE
THE
MARKETER
THE
MONEY HANDLER
Once you have your thinker, you need a creator. You need someone who will execute your plans and ideas and form them in the best way possible. This person might need to be skilled in technical areas if your company is planning on developing an app or technology.
THE
THE
CREATOR
This is by no means a definitive list of what startups want and need on their team, but it does serve as a general and helpful guideline as to what to look for when hiring. In an ideal world, every team member would be able to wear multiple hats and serve as one or more roles when needed, but that is not always the case. Be careful when choosing your startup team and know what sort of people you need to guarantee your success. TM
When you do develop a decent following and catch the attention of a sizable crowd, you will need someone to be a friendly face to represent your business. This is someone that will be greeting other people and interacting with them. This person should be very likable as to give off a great first impression to new people. TM
Mansion on Delaware Avenue
Royal Treatment Girlfriends get the
Y
ou know it’s going to be a great girlfriend getaway when your weekend starts with an eager-to-please butler jogging out to your car to unload your bags even before you’ve popped the trunk. “James” (yes, that’s really his name) is one of a half dozen butlers on staff at the elegant 28-room Mansion on Delaware in downtown Buffalo that dates back to 1869. The butlers are happy to drive you around town, pour you a complimentary drink in the drawing room at cocktail hour — even run you a hot bath in your whirlpool tub. Their white glove treatment sets the stage for a couple of days of being spoiled rotten in Buffalo.
BY ANNE BOKMA
in BUFFALO
StAr trEAtMENt At GrOOM SErvicE The pampering continues when we head to Groom Service Beauty & Dry Bar, an upscale beauty bar on the ground floor of the elegantly restored Hotel Lafayette. Here, positive feminine energy abounds, and not just because this grand neoclassical hotel was designed in the early 1900s by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first American woman who worked as a professional architect. Katie Ambrose, a New York makeup artist to the stars who recently moved back to Buffalo to open the salon, gives her clients the kind of luxurious beauty experiences usually Groom Service Beauty & Dry Bar
reserved for celebrities. My girlfriend Donna and I spend a couple of glorious hours with Katie that begins with a mini meditation session involving crystals and “angelic spray” to help balance our chakras and continues with a facial, “intuitive make-up lesson” and hair styling. A final application of feathery false eyelashes has us coquettishly batting our eyes over our lunch menus when we pop in next door to the Pan-American Grill & Brewery to fortify ourselves for an afternoon of shopping with scallop cakes and sugar beet salad.
EMPOriuMS ON ELMwOOD It’s no secret that Canadians love to power shop Buffalo’s outlet stores, but we opt to bypass the mega malls for some good old fashioned street shopping. We spend a few hours strolling the mile-long Elmwood Avenue, checking out the eclectic range of dozens of retail offerings. We peruse furnishings made by local craftspeople at rÓ, float in the aroma of hundreds of exotic seasonings at the elaborately stocked Penzeys Spices, ooh and ahh over the unique gift selections (dragonfly salad tongs anyone?) at the charming Everything Elmwood, browse bestsellers at talking Leaves, the city’s oldest bookstore, and try on flowing summer dresses in a range of
boutiques, from Anna Grace to Blush and Second chic, an upcycle consignment shop where I pick up a vintage halter dress for a bargain basement $22. When we stop to fuel up on caffeine, even the SPot coffee shop is
Second Chic
a delight with its powder blue Victorian settee and tempting display of red velvet donuts, a local specialty that proves irresistible.
Out ON tHE tOwN Our extended shopping trip means there’s little time for dinner so once again the butlers at the Mansion accommodate us by preparing plates of pizza and fresh fruit before driving us to the opening night of the raucous musical, The Book of Mormon, at Shea’s Performing Arts center. The restored theatre, which features a full season of blockbuster Broadway musicals, boosts eight-foot tall crystal chandeliers and intricately painted ceilings in the lobby, recalling its glory days as an elaborate movie house dating from 1926.
Mansion on Delaware by KC Kratt. Groom Service and Second Chic by Katie Ambrose. Shea’s by Jim Bush. Buffalo Proper by Lisa Lubin.
After the show, we aren’t quite ready to call it a night. Fortunately, another theatregoer recommends a stop at Buffalo Proper, a restaurant and bar that tips its hat to the prohibition era when wealthy Buffalonians found a way to sneak a drink in defiance of the 18th amendment. Here, master barman and cocktail curator Jon Karel regales us with further theatrical Shea’s Performing Arts Center antics, displaying his frenetic energy while concocting fancifully named drinks such as Bare Knuckle Boxer, Snake Charmer and Killer Bee’s. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day. Tomorrow, we have a couple more stops to finish our Buffalo getaway – including an afternoon outing to canalside, a beautiful new waterfront area with free events from pilates classes to classical concerts, and what will prove to be a very memorable five-course prix fixe menu with wine pairings at Martin cooks, the city’s first example of chef’s counter dining where guests look on while the chef prepares his signature dishes in an open kitchen. But right now, as the clock hits midnight, we’re ready to head back to our fluffy beds at the Mansion. We ring our butler who arrives in minutes. As I climb into the backseat I utter words I’ve been looking forward to saying all day: “Home, James.” Buffalo Proper
AS TIME GOES BY CONTINUED INNOVATION AND LUXURY: PERFORMANCE BMW 7 SERIES BY JILL THAM
Imagine being transported back to 1941 exactly where Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart say their heart-breaking goodbyes. The classic tune, “As Time Goes By,” can be heard playing in the background and a 1937 Lockheed Electra Jr. Aircraft is ready and waiting to take flight at the end of the hangar. That was the exact atmosphere The Performance Auto Group achieved on October 21, 2015 when they teamed up with Invicta Air to create a memorable Casablanca night as they launched the all-new 2016 BMW 7 Series. As Bogart said in his famous line, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The 7 Series, with more innovations than any other car in its class, represents the beginning of a beautiful friendship between driver, passenger, and machine,” states Andrew Marchand, General Manager of Performance BMW. The event was held at the Niagara District Airport in the private hangar of Invicta Air, owned by Performance BMW guest, Peter Ramm. “Invicta meaning ‘undefeated or unconquered,’ embodies exactly what the new 7 Series has to offer its drivers. It reflects both the elegance of past modes of transportation and the future of luxury automotive travel,” states Marchand. The 7 Series made its first appearance on the market in 1977 and has continued to represent the company and the brand by acting as its flagship car; setting the bar high for the competition and ensuring all that BMW cars benefit from the technology.
“The best and brightest have designed this car,” states Hans Blesse, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “This car is an innovation leader, the most luxurious product in the segment, and the most technological product we have ever made,” states Blesse. “We have taken a quantum leap forward in luxury and huge steps in comfort and well-being.” Blesse boasts that the new 7 Series is the most intuitive vehicle the company has ever designed and produced. “Who could have imagined that we’d have vehicles you can actually speak to, that are powered by electricity, or that can be controlled with a simple hand gesture,” says Blesse. “It’s elegant, it’s dynamic, and it’s cutting edge. This is what BMW is all about,” adds Blesse. The 7 Series, which goes 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds, demonstrates it is possible to have all the features of a luxury car without scrimping on the power and torque that can be achieved. Although the model has retained its functional grills that open to cool the engine and L shaped tail lights, it has undergone many structural and visually appealing changes. “Front to back it’s a new car to our guests,” states David Heidebrecht, Performance BMW Service Manager. Major design improvements include a sleeker look to the trunk and changes in the carbon core to strengthen the rigidity and shave significant weight from former models in the series. “The future will be lighter, leaner, stronger, and it will seem miles beyond others,” stated the video played as part of the 7 Series reveal. No detail was forgotten when designing the interior and technological features of the vehicle. “The iDrive controls, Traffic Jam Assistant that anticipates road conditions, Lane Keep Assistant, and Side Collision Avoidance are key safety features of the vehicle. What is causing a stir is the impressive touch technology. “BMW Gesture Control is the best feature. You can take a phone call with the simple wave of a finger,” states Blesse. The display key that acts as a cell phone, allows the driver to swipe back and forth to control various aspects of the car, such as climate control and fuel level. “The heads-up display has been increased to 10.2 inches, making it the largest in the industry,” states Bruce Redwood, Sales and Leasing Consultant at Performance BMW. Riding in the front of the 7 Series is luxury at its best, riding in the back is an impressive experience. “The Executive Lounge has 15,000 etchings in the glass of the panoramic sunroof that reflects the LED lighting. A touch-command
tablet between the two seats in the back of the car allows the passenger full internet access and control of climate, reclining seats, massage functions, and Bowers & Wilkins Sound System with 1400 watt 16 speakers of power,” says Redwood. The 7 Series’ distinct features explain why BMW has continued to live up to their slogan, “The Ultimate Driving Experience.” “Defining contemporary luxury and traditional values of a high-performing car and taking them to levels we have never achieved before…you just need to drive it,” says Blesse. As movie buffs will recall, in the film Casablanca, Morocco was the passageway to safety from World War II and therefore it was only fitting that Casablanca be the theme for the new 7 Series launch as this car is your gateway to innovation and luxury. Stop by Performance BMW and test drive the new 2016 BMW 7 Series. As Humphrey Bogart said, if you don’t, you will regret it, “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.”
This year, Performance BMW, a trusted division of Performance Auto Group, reached a milestone by celebrating 25 years in the business. Performance Auto Group is the largest automotive retailer in Ontario with 22 brands - including Acura, BMW, MINI, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, EQUUS, Kia, Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, smart, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru – in 29 locations within Brampton, Brantford, Bolton, Grimsby, Oakville, Orangeville, and St. Catharines-Niagara. The Performance Auto Group is owned by Glen Alizadeh, with his brother Steve and sister, May Allison. In speaking with Glen Alizadeh, he stated their goal is to ensure guests receive the same experience at each dealership, no matter the brand of car they are interested in purchasing. “We realize our guests have built this organization, and we will give them the service they require,” states Alizadeh. “You will be treated fairly and with respect.”
TOOL KIT
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STRONG
IT’S A NEW YEAR. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? Since 2001, Rev Publishing has been one of North America’s most progressive publishers of niche products. It all started with the Save-A-Buck coupon booklet, when company founder Daniel Pasco launched this direct mail piece, which was sent to homes around the Niagara Region. In the year that followed, Save-A-Buck expanded into Southern Ontario and beyond. In 2005, Rev introduced their first in-room magazine, Niagara Today. Rev kept growing after that, with the launches of Niagara Dining Guide in 2006, Seneca Today and On The Boulevard in 2011, Niagara-on-the-Lake magazine and the daily deal and coupon site, GrabJab.com in 2012, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka in 2013, the Niagara Falls Meeting and Destination Magazine, the Save a Buck app, Today Magazine local lifestyle editions, Today Magazine: Kingston and 1000 Islands, Toronto, Muskoka, and Skylife Magazine in 2014, and in 2015, Casino Rama, Soaring Eagle Living (Michigan) and Miccosukee Resort & Gaming (Miami). >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 27
GIVEN THAT MILLENNIALS HAVE SIGNIFICANT SPENDING POWER, PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH PRINT MEDIA IS A GREAT WAY TO REACH THIS CORE GROUP OF CONSUMERS. The company just continues to grow and expand far beyond the Niagara Region. Rev Publishing continues to be led by Dan Pasco, who is the Publisher, President and CEO of the company. As a marketing specialist, Dan’s entrepreneurial expertise and experiential knowledge within the media industry accounts for the soaring success of Rev’s eclectic trademark line of publications. Today, 15 years after its inception, Rev Publishing Inc. produces and distributes 40 magazines and three savings publications, as well as maintains a vast social network reaching a wide audience, which continues to grow every day. For 2016, Pasco has plans to further expand Rev’s vision towards a digital, online platform, establishing a wider reach, moving towards a global market. In an era where many print magazines are on the decline, Rev’s portfolio only continues to grow. Each specific publication offers a unique editorial strategy, giving readers information on what to do and where to go in Niagara and beyond, as well as compelling stories from some of Niagara’s best writers. If you stay at a hotel in the Niagara area, chances are you have come across a Rev product. In addition to leadership expertise and producing high quality magazines, there are numerous factors that have contributed to Rev’s success. Rev’s products are aimed towards key targeted consumers; they hold North America’s most well ranged audience. This audience stays in hotel rooms, reads niche magazines, visits e-commerce websites; all areas Rev has covered. Rev’s readers are those with disposable income, those who are influential decision makers in the household and are loyal and engaged. Over 12 million tourists visit the Niagara area every year, and Rev has found ways to reach almost all of them, be it through in-room magazines, coupon booklets, websites, or apps which help guide visitors through the Region, finding them deals along the way. Save-A-Buck, Rev’s mobile app, allows people to easily access entertainment, restaurants, attractions, nightlife, services and more; consumers are able to find business with the touch of a button.
Rev also offers advertisers the exclusive opportunity to advertise on WEGO, Niagara Fall’s state of the art bus system that connects visitors to the tourist areas. In addition to these products, Rev also offers high quality, creative services. These include both web development and print design services. At Rev, unique looks and interfaces are created that convey the heart of a business, which sets every business apart from the competition, while still maintaining brand integrity and personality. A company basically has ten seconds until the user decides whether to stay on a website or not: Rev’s creative team will be sure to build a website that will draw users in and keep them clicking. The same goes for the print designs created by the team at Rev: they turn prospects into clients. According to the article “Is Print Dead? Not So Fast”, on Forbes.com, there are still many reasons to incorporate print into your marketing plan, despite the continued digitization of our world. The article notes that print is tangible, as it stays around for months, sometimes even years. Print is also a great way to solidify your brand, and establish some brand recognition. The article also notes the ability of print publications to go to a specific target market. When it comes to marketing your business, it is important to advertise over a variety of different platforms, to make sure you are reaching the maximum number of potential consumers. Another study, done by the J. Walter Thompson firm, shows that even the younger generation is beginning to embrace print media, and that it is important to them that print publications remain “ a significant factor in their lives, even in the face of ever-increasing digitization.” Given that millennials have significant spending power, promoting your business through print media is a great way to reach this core group of consumers. There is no other media company that does what Rev does, and does with such effectiveness. The future of Rev Publishing is looking bigger and brighter every day. TM
NIAGARA’S NO. 1 ADVERTISING PARTNER CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION | 905-356-7283 PROMOTED IN NIAGARA’S MOST POPULAR
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, ATTRACTIONS, TOURISM CENTRES, LOCALIZED VENUES, AND OTHER PREVALENT ESTABLISHMENTS.
1.1 MILLION MONTHLY AUDIENCE
INFLUENTIAL OPINION LEADERS
81%
of our core audience are the primary purchasers of all products in their household. 69% indicate that they will typically recommend a product they like, while over 53% indicated that they are considered good advice-givers when it comes to products and services.
“MORE THAN 17 MILLION VISITORS WILL SPEND OVER $2.1 BILLION IN THE NIAGARA REGION ANNUALLY.” –THE CANADIAN TOURISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE
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IS THE ONLY TOURISM SPENDING NIAGARA DESTINATION THAT RECEIVES
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OVER 12 MILLION TOURISTS COME TO VISIT NIAGARA FALLS EACH YEAR.
KEY TARGETED AUDIENCE Who stays in hotel rooms, reads niche magazines, visits e-commerce websites, and loves to save money. From children to adults – REV holds North America’s most well-ranged audience with 67% in the top tier of the most-wanted focus groups.
LOYAL AND ENGAGED 78% of all visitors to hotels interact with concierge desks. Within the first 4 minutes they are in their rooms turning on the television. And within 14 minutes they are looking for something to do. We cover the entire hotel experience.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH EACH YEAR THE
MASSIVE DISPOSABLE INCOME With an average household income of over $90,000 between tourists and visitors, our captive audience is the most affluent in Niagara.
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SUBSCRIBE TO TODAY MAGAZINE’S LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS FOR $2995 A YEAR. ACCESS TO ALL DIGITAL EDITION IS INCLUDED WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION.
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PUTTING YOU IN THE HANDS OF EVERY TOURIST & LOCAL CONSUMER FOR
A BUCK A DAY HOW DOES YOUR CURRENT FORM OF ADVERTISING COMPARE? be part of their experience >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 31
THE RIGHT MEDIUM Mobile apps are the most powerful promotional tool out there. Consumers are using the mobile web to look up your store information and discover new businesses in their area. Save-A-Buck enables people to easily access entertainment, restaurants, attractions, nightlife, services and more. This free GPS based guide quickly allows consumers to find your business based on category of interest. Promote your business and gain exposure while having the opportunity to offer Save-A-Buck users coupons and discounts or broadcast your events on our Save-A-Buck calendar to create a wider net of interest.
EXPAND YOUR CLIENT BASE The Save-A-Buck Beacon broadcasts a customizable message or offer from you directly to the app user’s device when they are in range of your Save-ABuck Beacon. • A virtual perimeter is created around your business, a maximum range of up to 40 metres. • As a consumer enters the radius of your beacon, their phone is immediately tagged for the delivery of your message. • Through the bluetooth smart technology, your message will be immediately delivered. • After clicking this ad, the consumer will be taken directly to your offer or coupon. Save-A-Buck isn’t just about saving users money, it’s about gaining exposure and expanding your client base. We advertise on multiple print, digital and social media platforms to reach them where they live, work and play: • Key-card holders, in-room television ads and in-room tent cards in popular hotels located in Canada and United States. • Highly active on Facebook and Twitter. • Full page advertising in over 30 targeted publications distributed throughout Canada and U.S.A. along with 15 second TV commercials. • 1 MILLION COPIES of the Save-A-Buck coupon booklet are distributed annually through: counter stands located in hotels/motels, bed & breakfasts, wineries, restaurants, travel information centres, attraction lobbies and in street boxes.
Get on their radar. Get on the app
CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT The average person looks at their phone 150 times a day or once every 6.5 minutes of every waking hour. Mobile app users are FOUR TIMES more engaged than those browsing the web. the North American population own 56% ofa smart phone. North American smartphone users 94% ofsearch for local information.
76% 62% 77%
of users opt into location sharing because it provides more meaningful content. of smartphone users consume mobile media. actively use their smartphone to research before making a decision.
Our team is committed to development. We strive to continually improve the app by utilizing the latest technology and offering new innovative features that will bring us both to the next level.
stop guessing.
*ComScore Mobile Metrix, March 2012
THE FUTURE OF SAVE-A-BUCK
Easily access entertainment, attractions, activities, bars, services, transportation, rentals, daily coupons, and much more
Save-A-Buck will be merging with Niagara’s popular local deal site, Grabjab.com
Personalize your Save-A-Buck Experience
Find all the best events and things to do in the region
Find the BEST DISCOUNTS in your area
Images, menus, GPS directions, hours, social media, website links, direct phone numbers and more
that puts the city in their hands. >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 33
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UP YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY HOW TO KEEP YOUR BRAND FRONT & CENTRE. Planning and developing a strong brand identity is at the forefront of every major business. When people recognize your brand, developing trust, building relationships, and making sales becomes natural. There are a great number of global brands that almost everyone can mention, but you don’t need to reach these heights to be considered a success. In even the smallest niches you will find established names, with the target audience having a clear idea of what you represent. So how do you go about keeping your brand awareness level high?
STAY CONSISTENT Brand consistency helps to solidify your identity in the minds of prospects. As people browse around the web, seeing your logo and business name on a consistent basis will increase recognition. By keeping a consistency in your main identifiable factors, it becomes far easier to implant yourself in the mind. Aim to use a recognizable logo, consistent font, and even a catchy slogan. Major organizations spend huge sums of money on rebranding campaigns, so it is clear why you should aim to get these ideas right from the start.
GUEST POST Guest posting requires writing exceptional content for niche-related blogs. This type of content marketing lets you take advantage of an existing audience of readers, reaching the kind of people you hope will become customers. Most guest posts will include a biography at the end, so you can begin the process of increasing brand awareness with
a compelling description. As most posts can be delivered in HTML format, you could also include a small logo to add a visual element. You can quickly become associated with the blog you write for, so make sure you choose relevant, targeted, and quality blogs.
ENGAGE IN SOCIAL MEDIA Real awareness comes from multiple exposures to your brand. Social media platforms should have many conversations taking place about various niche topics. If you can put yourself in the middle of these conversations, you will gradually become associated with the niche. While your business accounts might be more focused and self-contained, you can post individually as a business owner or representative. These personal accounts can be more active in conversations, taking on the frame of an authority.
RETARGETING While all advertising can help with branding, retargeting is particularly effective as
visitors will see you across multiple sites. When a visitor lands on your website, they receive a pixel from the advertising network. As they browse the web, the network shows your ad on any sites they have relationships with. Retargeting can play a big part in increasing sales, but there are also the added branding benefits that come from repeated exposures. Retargeting for branding alone can quickly become expensive, so you should aim to make your campaign profitable through product sales. These tips will help you to increase recognition of your brand, ultimately leading to an increase in sales. While online sales continue to grow, businesses still have to convince prospects that they are legitimate and trustworthy. Various tactics can be used to build trust, but developing a recognized brand is the most effective long-term strategy. When you develop a clear identity and follow these tactics to build awareness, you should see the results far into the future. TM
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 35
HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR COMPANY’S IMAGE
CUSTOMER SERVICE FOCUS
Modern-day businesses cannot survive on just having a storefront and a product. The competitive nature of all industries requires you to do more. Being visible merely in the physical sense will give all your competitors an added advantage if they’ve managed to step up their visibility.
If your business operations are not geared around customer service, you will find it hard to convince customers to stay with you. A customer who is just satisfied with a business will go about their daily business, neither promoting nor demoting your brand at social functions. A happy customer will tell people about their experience when asked about it, whereas an unhappy customer will tell everyone they know about their bad experience whether people ask them or not. This is the power of word-of-mouth; you either have it working for you or against you – there is no in-between.
GET YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE
REBRANDING & MARKETING
If you have an existing website and it hasn’t been changed in the last five years, you may want to think about getting it updated. Updating the prices or products in the catalog is not enough. Photo galleries and a blog are good places to start, and adding some video clips to your site will give it a nice boost. Making sure your site is mobile-friendly will enhance its usability.
Spending some extra money on your marketing campaign is worth the while. Having experts take care of your target market will help you reach the clients you want to attract to your business. Rebranding also does a lot for a company, as it gives customers peace of mind that things are moving forward. Rebranding also helps repair reputational damage. Re-representing the company to the public can recapture the old market, but also attract a new one. The physical appearance of your business also needs to be updated during the rebranding process. The branding needs to be on uniforms, letterheads, business cards, signage and every piece of information that goes out to your clients. It will be easier on your marketing campaign if clients can readily associate with your brand. Whether you run the corner bakery or a multi-million-dollar engineering firm, you still need to deal with customers. They must be able to interact with you on a level that is both safe and convenient. Your image relies solely on the perception of the various stakeholders: clients, competitors, staff and shareholders. TM
MAKE AN APP AVAILABLE TO YOUR CLIENTS Offering an app for your clients is a perfect way to keep in contact with them without having to send out a stack of newsletters. You can update a message feed on your app as and when needed. Your customers have what they need at their fingertips. This is also a good way to stay apprised of your customer base; tracking your loyalty program from here would be much easier than trying to record everything manually in a ledger.
WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT THE LOYALTY PLAN? Your customers have the option of shopping anywhere else, yet they choose to shop with you. Rewarding your customers with a loyalty program will make them feel special. Be careful of the pitfalls of loyalty programs, however; a client who has to pay for a loyalty program will most likely decide against it. It needs to be packaged properly.
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SEO
TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
HAVING A WEBSITE RANK WELL
OFFER A VARIETY OF CONTENT.
in the major search engines is a competitive advantage for a modern business. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about how to achieve this, and even Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts disagree on the most effective methods. The rules used by Google and other search engines to determine rankings are constantly updated, so it can be difficult to keep a site in a top position. Here are six tips that will help to keep your website ranking well in Google and other search engines.
Quality articles and blog posts work well for SEO, but search engines also reward sites displaying photographs, graphics and video content. Publishing a variety of content also improves the chance that a visitor will spend more time on your website and return to look again. Photographs of your products, staff and customers work well for small business websites.
DISPLAY QUALITY CONTENT. If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed about SEO over the years, it’s that quality content is essential for a website to rank well. Search engines have become incredibly sophisticated, and they can identify and reward sites displaying the type of content people are looking for. Using duplicate or rehashed content on your website will eventually lead to it being penalized by search engines. Offering quality articles and content also means your site will benefit from the social and sharing aspect of the Internet. Readers will share content they like, and this will mean more traffic and visitors to your site.
GET GOOD QUALITY BACKLINKS. In simple terms, search engines read backlinks to a website as votes of approval. Links are created by people who approve of or like the content or website they are directing traffic to. If you’re a website owner looking for links, it’s important that they come from good quality websites. One good quality link is of more value in SEO than hundreds from spammy sites with little content.
UPDATE CONTENT REGULARLY. A website needs regular updates, both for SEO purposes and to keep visitors coming back for more. Small business owners are busy people, but you should be able to find the time to post something new at least once a week. Adding a blog to your site means you can quickly post comments about new products, relevant news items and customer feedback. Search engines reward sites where fresh content is added regularly, and this means increased traffic and more visitors.
MAKE YOUR SITE MOBILE FRIENDLY. Studies suggest that over 40 percent of Internet searches are now carried out on tablets and smartphones. Google and other search engines take this into account, and mobile-friendly sites are rewarded with higher ranking. You will have missed an opportunity if someone finds your site but is unable to read or navigate through the content on a mobile device.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS TO INCREASE YOUR RANKING. As a small business owner, you may not have time to run social media marketing campaigns, but your website can benefit from links from sites like Facebook. A couple of hours spent setting up accounts with Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest can bring real value in terms of SEO. If your website is built on the Wordpress platform, you can automate the process of making connections with social media accounts and sharing updates. Competition for search engine traffic is intense, so every step you can take to improve your business website’s ranking is worth taking. There are no shortcuts or ways to cheat the system, and your site will be penalized by search engines if you deliberately break the rules. Improving ranking isn’t difficult if you take a long-term approach and offer visitors accurate and entertaining content. TM
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MAKE INSTAGRAM A POWERFUL BUSINESS BRANDING TOOL INSTAGRAM HAS EMERGED on the social media scene as a sudden and unexpectedly powerful way for businesses to connect with their customer base. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but here, it may be worth far more. Image-based Instagram allows a business to tell their story, and the story of their product to customers in a beautiful, enriching way, adding value to their customers’ lives before they even spend their money. Through simple photos on Instagram, a business can not only show their product, but how it is made, by who, who is using it and how their product is affecting people’s lives. This makes Instagram a powerful marketing and branding tool, and the only question left is how best to wield it. Here are 7 tips to help you make the best of of your business Instagram: Before you start posting, establish the story that you are telling. Think of Instagram as the visual storyboard of your brand, and make sure that the message you are sending is coherent and unified with what your business represents. Plan a posting schedule. You shouldn’t post too often, nor too infrequently. Once per day is best for most businesses. You don’t
want to overwhelm a feed, causing followers to abandon you, but you also want to keep your feed alive and exciting and working to promote you. Make sure that there is variety in your photos. You don’t want several photos in a row that all seem similar. Whether it’s varying the subject of the photos, embracing different colours or using different filters, make your gallery look interesting! Post an extreme close up shot of your product to show detail, then make the next one a wide shot of the product out in the world in use! Show the creation process, then post about a featured customer and what the product has done for her. Skip Instagram’s filters and download a photo editing app on your device. Snapseed is an excellent free option created by Google that offers plenty of fine-tuning options as well as adjustable filters that look beautiful. VSCO is another good free option that gives you control over the tuning of your shots before posting. Set the quality bar for your posts, and don’t allow photos to be posted that you are not proud of. It is better to miss a day of posting than to post something that you don’t feel is truly visually enriching to your followers. Experiment to find the best times of day to post. In general, mornings, around 7 or 8 AM are ideal times, as well as afternoons, around 4 or 5 PM, as these are the peak moments when people are not yet at work or school, and may be browsing through Instagram on transit, or while they wait to start their shift. However, it can be helpful to try a few posts at different times and see if any patterns become apparent, as every audience can be different, depending on your key demographic. Get involved on Instagram! Instead of making it a one-way conversation, follow your followers back, or take a look at other people’s photos of your product, liking and commenting to connect with them. Instagram can be a great way to build your product’s fan base, connect with new customers and allow current customers a fun insight into your business and brand. If you haven’t already gotten started, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon! TM
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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
MILLENNIALS
ARE FLOCKING TO SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMPANIES (NC) Whether you fear or love them, the millennial generation is a growing demographic. Compared to their parents, millennials are heavy users of technology and strive for autonomy in their work where they can have flexible work hours while still contributing to the collective impact of an organization. This generation also wants to work for, and buy from, community-minded companies according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of DUCA Financial Services Credit Union. Of millennials (ages 18 to 34) who responded to the survey, 89 per cent say they find corporate social responsibility (CSR) in companies to be important or very important. “Many millennials are willing to take a pay cut if they feel the company offering the job aligns with their values,” says Joyce Sou of non-profit CSR organization B Lab. “Purpose is a powerful driver and motivator.” Additionally, the survey showed that millennials are not content with the occasional charity event or cheque presentation. Organizations must demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility in order to recruit within this demographic. Companies that put CSR first are the ones that align with the millennial values. For example, DUCA Financial Services has embraced this idea with their longstanding DUGood philosophy of making the world a better place through giving and volunteering. Recently it has earned them B-Corp certification, awarded to companies that aim to benefit society as well as make profit. More information is available at www.duca.com. www.newscanada.com TM
PURPOSE IS A POWERFUL DRIVER & MOTIVATOR. TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 47
ENJOY HAWAII IN NIAGARA BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN
G
iving a unique kick to Niagara and filling a niche in Ontario’s culinary scene, Mokus - a Hawaiian themed restaurant located in Fonthill, Ontario - has taken the region by storm; transporting residents out of the Canadian cold and onto the beaches of sun kissed Hawaii year round. Warming both hearts and stomachs one dish at a time with flavourful and authentic family style Hawaiian comfort food, Mokus has become a weekly staple and hangout for the community at large to kick back and spend quality time with their families. Owners, chefs and the brilliance behind Mokus is husband and wife duo Natalie and Gary Stickles. Both Niagara natives and active members of the public, Gary says it has always been a dream to open a restaurant in the region that fused both their favourite destination with their love for Niagara. Devoted to serving traditional Hawaiian comfort food with a twist, the Stickles are working to break the stigma surrounding Hawaiian food by adding innovative modifications and Canadian infusions into the Island’s most famous flavours. “It is a fusion of Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Polynesian and Portuguese origins - it is a big melting pot of food,” said Gary, the head chef as well as owner. “People think it is just ham and pineapple pizza or a fish head on a plate. It is so much more than that - the food is not weird. It is very comforting home-style food.” Gary is no newcomer to the restaurant business. A graduate of Guelph University’s Hotel and Food Administration program, Gary has worked in the culinary scene for over 28 years in a number of Niagara’s top restaurants and hotels – as well as a stint as a cultural representative at Disney World’s Canadian Pavilion. “I have been a huge fan of Hawaii since I was 10 years old,” said Gary. “I think it was the atmosphere of Hawaii, the people, the food – that really interested me. I was lucky enough to do a fair bit of travelling when I was younger with my family and I got the travel bug and like checking out new places; but it was always Hawaii I kept coming back to.” The menu – a combination of dishes from authentic early 1900s Hawaiian cookbooks, ma and grandma style recipes and food
WE WANTED TO MAKE IT A GETAWAY AND FOR PEOPLE TO
LIKE
THEY WOULD ON VACATION.
enjoyed along the Stickles’ travels – features a diverse array of luau style dishes that have become community favourites. Popular dishes include their Poke Bowl – fresh, sustainable raw ahi tuna cubes tossed with a spicy garlic ginger shoyu sauce and nestled on a bed of steamed Jasmine rice; customizable Sesame Udon Noodles; Won Ton Soup; Bread Pudding and Hula Pie Dessert – a recreation of an original from Duke’s Restaurant on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu that features a cookie crumb, made in house French vanilla ice cream and imported Hawaiian macadamia nuts that are mounded up to look like a volcano and drizzled with chocolate and caramel before being topped with more macadamia nuts. But the most in demand, their Luau style Pulled Pork, is a dish to send a post card home about. “We do it exactly how it would be done in Hawaii - except not in a pit underground,” said Gary. “We wrap it in banana leaves, spiced the exact same way and slow baked for six hours until it falls off the bones. And then it is hand pulled. It is not your typical southern Barbeque style. This is more salt and smoky flavoured.” All of their ingredients are sourced from local companies or imported from Hawaii – all of which have been carefully handpicked by the Stickles. They have committed themselves to choosing farmers and suppliers that are environmentally conscious, free trade, organic and utilize no pesticides. “Everything we have done and everyone we have chosen has been thought out,” said Natalie. It is the specially imported produce that lends to the authenticity of their dishes. Products include Hawaiian Alaea Sea Salt containing volcanic soil, coffee from the north shore of Oahu and five different spices from a small organic farm – to name a few. But the authenticity of Mokus does not rest in the kitchen. The sounds, sights and feel of the islands emit from every nook and cranny of the restaurant’s eclectic design. From the large tropical plants that lay canopies over the lounge tables to the surf board bar that acts as a centerpiece, each component has been carefully chosen to create a vacation like ambiance. “I wanted it to feel back in the 1930-50s with the Elvis era all the way up to the surfers,” said Natalie. “We wanted to make it a getaway and for people to escape like they would on vacation.” “We will joke and ask people ‘where did you fly in from?’ when they come in for dinner.”
The restaurant is also completely disability and wheel chair accessible and hosts seating areas ideal for both large and small scale groups. “Our restaurant is eclectic and so is our clientele – we get the whole gamut of people,” said Gary. “We get couples in their twenties coming out for a romantic dinner and then there might be little kids that love coming in with their parents in another corner of the restaurant all the way up to elderly groups.” The restaurant also boasts the only dog friendly patio in the area. “That is our market: everyone,” said Gary. Mokus also hosts live music and interactive events throughout the year to get guests involved in the Hawaiian culture as well as entertain as they dine. Past events have included performances by an authentic Polynesian hula troop from Toronto and music by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Ukesters – an 85 member ukulele troop who cover popular songs by Jimmy Buffett, the Eagles and more. Though the heart is won through the stomach, their food is not the only thing that has people running back for more. The community driven family have ensured that Mokus, although unique, remain very Niagara oriented – striving to create a positive and welcome atmosphere for all with a commitment to supporting the community in any way they can. This has included creating jobs for students, supporting local events and fairs and encouraging quality family time with their no TV atmosphere. Mokus has also supported a number of local charities and hosted various fundraisers since opening. Charities that have benefited have included the local foodbank Pelham Cares and Women’s Place of South Niagara whom they have contributed both food and donations to on a number of occasions. They also are committed to hiring both their kitchen and wait staff from inside the community and have hosted a number of coop students since opening. “We reach out to Niagara College for students from their culinary programs,” said Natalie. “We have had coop students in through their program. We have given kids jobs and they have stuck with us from the beginning. They are loyal because they know we are loyal to the community.” “We are dedicated to building a community,” said Natalie. Mokus is located at 1440 Pelham Street in Fonthill. Daily specials, menus and contact information is available on their website mokusfonthill.com.
INSPIRING
CREATIVITY
c
Creativity is often the cornerstone that separates successful companies from their competitors. Many of these same employers also report happier employees. Studies also show that encouraging creativity in the workplace can attract and retain happier, more productive employees. Establishing a culture of creativity starts at the top level of management and filters to each and every level of the organization. HR professionals are encouraged to work with senior management to implement creativity initiatives that will empower their employees to become successful, happier members that make a difference in their company.
WHY IS CREATIVITY IMPORTANT? Creativity provides both employees and employers with numerous benefits. When employees work in a creative environment, they often experience more control and enjoyment in their jobs. Many will feel great pride in knowing that their ideas are important to their company leaders. This ultimately increases their internal motivation to do a great job, and encourages them to go above and beyond for their employer. Studies show that happier employees will take fewer sick days from work, and become more productive in the office. Employers also reap benefits from this creativity. Employers like Apple who promote creativity are able to stand out as leaders in innovation among their competitors. Their employees will generate more innovative products and product lines, and remain loyal to their company. These employers are better able to retain and attract creative employees, and deliver a product or service of the highest quality.
IMPLEMENTING A CULTURE OF CREATIVITY Employers can take small steps towards implementing a culture of creativity throughout their entire organization. Below are some initiatives that can be set in place that will encourage employees to explore their own creativity:
ENCOURAGE AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS All levels of your organization should be open to ideas to improve company processes. When implementing new procedures, allow employees to voice their opinions on how to improve process efficiency. Since they deal with the day-to-day duties, employees may have great ideas on improving the efficiency of certain procedures.
SET TIME ASIDE FOR CREATIVITY Encourage employees to foster their creativity by allowing them some free time to focus on improving their jobs. It can be as little as 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes a day.
CREATE A PEER GROUP Creativity often thrives with the exchange of ideas. Create a peer group in your office that focuses on improving business procedures and products. Many employees will feel more comfortable expressing their ideas in a group versus one-on-one directly to a manager.
INCLUDE CREATIVITY AS PART OF THE EMPLOYEE REVIEW Many employees will feel more compelled to make time for creativity if they feel it will be measured towards their annual job performance.
REWARD CREATIVITY A great way to encourage creativity is to reward employees for their creative contribution. This can be done through monetary awards, gift cards or awarding days off work.
THE BOTTOM LINE Creativity sets both employees and employers apart from the competition. When employers encourage creativity among their staff, employees will be happier and more productive. HR professionals can encourage creativity by introducing initiatives that focus on the exchange of ideas, peer groups, and rewards. TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 51
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COMFY WHITE
OAKS NEW EXHIBITION HALL
hat do you do when your conference has a trade show/exhibit element to it? A trade show needs a lot of space, which can typically only be found in large convention centres and exhibition halls. While a conference demands a dedicated space with comfortable meeting rooms, state of the art technology, amazing food and outstanding service. It’s difficult to combine both for a seamless experience. “We had many conference clients expanding their events to include trade show elements and as their events grew, so did their space requirements. It’s not ideal to snake trade show booths throughout the public spaces or jam them into your largest meeting room. The demand was growing in our business and there was no solution in sight until one day, while looking out over the tennis courts in our club a light bulb went on! That’s a ton of space and it could easily connect to our conference centre!” reports Richard Reid, Executive Director of Sales and Hotel Operations at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa. After careful consideration an architect was called in and construction began on making slight alterations to the existing tennis court building. A double doorway was created leading directly into the facility’s conference centre providing clients with the perfect solution. The Exhibition Hall at White Oaks was born! Large groups can now meet in the comfort of our amazing conference facility, stay in our fantastic rooms and dine in style throughout their entire event. Best of all, the trade show environ connects directly with the conference centre, allowing delegates to walk freely between meetings and the show. Visit our website to take a virtual tour and see the full extent of this great new space at White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa, submit your RFP or call for details. whiteoaksresort.com or toll free 1-800-263-5766, extension 5680
BY: FLAVIO IAMMARINO, PH.D, SW, C.CHT
MASTERING the
MIND
YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT ‘THE TRUTH’ IS SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED, BUT ‘A BELIEF’ IS SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT TO ACCEPT AS THE TRUTH.
I
n order to be successful in business or academically we all require one main ingredient, and it is called faith. Our belief system must be totally congruent with our conscious desire in order for things to work out as they should and for success to unfold. The belief must be that I am deserving enough, I am good enough, and I am smart enough to receive all of the abundance that I desire. Whether it is money, recognition, happiness, love, peace, or all of the above, with the right belief system in place we can acquire all things. But if there is a belief that the person is not good enough, or not worthy enough, it does not matter how much the person desires to succeed, or how much hard work they put in, at the end they will fail. Because the belief in the unconscious mind is much stronger than the conscious desire, there will always be something that will sabotage their success. When I finished school I was excited to start my own construction company, so without hesitation I started to work and to build my business. Although I was getting a lot of work, there always seemed to be a shortage of money. There was a problem on my part. I had a fear of asking for payment that was rightfully mine. No matter how much I pumped myself up preparing to collect on delinquent accounts, when it came time to meet the person who owed me the money face to face, I would freeze up. I was afraid to ask for the money that I had worked for and that was rightfully mine. After many years in construction I decided to change direction and began to study how the mind works. I was interested in learning about the traits that made one person successful, while another seemingly similar person was not. After much research I realized that what makes a person successful is not their conscious desire but their unconscious belief. All our beliefs whether good or bad were ingrained in us by our family, friends, society, school, or the church. But not all of these beliefs instilled in us, support who we are as individual people; a belief that our grandfather or grandmother may have not supported us as an individual and yet at a very young age we were made to believe that we must adopt these values and beliefs as if they were our own. Because of a lack of understanding we accept other people ideas and realities as the truth.
You must understand that ‘the truth’ is something that you have experienced, but ‘a belief ’ is something that you have been taught to accept as the truth. It is important to remember that the truth is only what you have experienced. If you are already in business and experiencing some struggles, or thinking about starting a new business venture, pay close conscious attention to your language. It is important to listen to what you are saying to yourself, and to others, to see if your belief will move you toward success or failure. A lot of people say, when they see someone who is successful, “they must be lucky”. In my many years learning about behaviours, success has nothing to do with luck! But what it does have to do with is the belief that you are deserving of all good things in life – it is a state of mind. If you are in business or starting a new business, take a look around you to see who has a similar business that is experiencing success. Then take the time to go and talk with them and ask them what they are doing to be successful. The majority of successful people want others to also be successful and will readily share their experiences and knowledge. Successful people do not feel threatened and understand that there is plenty of work to go around for everyone – they will not be intimidated to speak with you and will be happy to share what they have learned along the way. When they speak pay attention to their belief. You will learn that whatever they want is already theirs in their mind and they deserve to receive it. They put total focus on what they want and they get it! Those that fail, no matter how hard they think they try, lack a strong belief system that supports success. They fail to look at themselves in the mirror to see where the problems lie. They are often quick to judge, and blame situations or circumstances in their life for their failure. Remember that the only one that is responsible for your failure and your success is YOU. If your business is not doing as well as you had hoped, or you are about to embark on a new business venture, aligning your beliefs with your desire is the key to success. If interested in learning more about how you can change your life from hope to expectation and the power your own mind plays in this process please email flavio@askflavio.com or call our office at 905-684-1717 – we welcome your call! TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 55
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DESTINATION PROFILE
THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF THINGS TO DO, EXPERIENCE AND SEE DURING YOUR VISIT TO WESTERN NEW YORK; WHATEVER KIND OF ACTIVITY YOU SEEK, INDOOR OR OUTDOOR, ACTION PACKED OR CALM AND RELAXED, THERE IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING FOR YOU. FROM THE EXCITEMENT OF THE SENECA CASINO PROPERTIES TO EXPLORING THE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS OF ELLICOTTVILLE TO THE ADVENTURES AWAITING YOU IN THE ALLEGANY MOUNTAINS, WESTERN NEW YORK REALLY
DOES HAVE IT ALL.
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 57
LYNN OGRYZLO It’s a sure sign of winter. When the last leaf falls from the tree, we naturally turn our sights inside to simmering soup, steaming stews and warm mugs of hot chocolate. We’re nesting, we’re warming our souls, bracing for the spine-chilling winter that lay ahead. It was a trip to a Christmas Market where everyone was sipping on hot toddy’s and mulled wine that got me to thinking – as it gets cold outside, don’t just dust off the crock pot, turn up the heat on your favourite liquor bottles! >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 59
Master bartender, Frank Ryan of The Western Door steak house always says warm drinks in the winter tend to sooth our psyche. It’s all about survival. Working in a world of anything goes cocktails, he knows there are times when tradition, comfort and warmth suits our sipping needs and moods best. The most famous warm cocktail of all is the hot toddy. It’s a mixture of sugar, lemon and whiskey warmed with boiling water. It was the best-known cure for anything that ailed you during the days of prohibition. Today we still make hot toddies but now they serve as a base for creativity. I’ve been known some to add cloves and others use brown sugar and bourbon for a caramel flavour. Frank flexes his creative muscles in a warm drink he calls Ma’s Apple Pie. It’s brandy, amaretto and instead of boiling water, he uses warm apple cider. He pours this into a glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar and garnishes it with a dried apple ring. Yes, he recommends it at The Western Door steakhouse when the snow is flying outside because, “it keeps you warm, especially at the thought of going out in a storm.” It’s hot toddy season and just like Frank, you too can reinvent the quintessential warm drink into dozens of different flavour combinations. All you have to do is replace the hot water with one of your favourite beverages like Earl Grey tea. Or how about hibiscus tea and tequila? Both are perfect for tea lovers. Use a spicy apple cider with lots of cinnamon and star anise for an Apple Cider Hot Toddy. Got a can of fruity raspberry lemonade concentrate left from the summer? Ok, then warm it up, add a teaspoon of honey that will turn extra yummy with delicious honey whisky. The reincarnations of hot toddies are limited only by your imagination. For example, only good things can happen when you mix pumpkin butter and rum together. Add a bit of brown sugar and
pumpkin pie spice and you’ve got a Pumpkin Butter Hot Toddy. This one should definitely be topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon! Another hot toddy combines two of my favourite things, candy canes and Kahlua. Pull a candy cane from the Christmas tree, crush it and simmer up a Pink Peppermint Hot Toddy with Kahlua and vodka. Use milk for a creamier version and add a dash of peppermint syrup for a boost of festive flavour. If you need to make hot toddies in bulk, thank goodness you dusted off the crockpot because instead of making dinner, it will keep your drinks warm for hours and fill your room with delicious aromas. Let your guests dip a ladle into the pot and help themselves throughout the evening. In a crockpot you have the added advantage of infusing flavours slowly, like ginger that will infuse a lemony hot toddy with spiciness. It’s the perfect antidote to chilly winter weather and some claim that ginger is nature’s antibiotic – a perfect drink to keep winter colds at bay. Start it in the afternoon, serve it in the evening, a Cranberry, Sage and Black Peppercorn Hot Toddy is herbally, citrusy and the color of a glistening, ruby red jewel. It’s an aromatic mixture of cranberries, whole black peppercorns and sage leaves simmering in the crockpot with honey, a bottle of white wine and a cup of Benedictine – yum! There are a few things you should keep in mind when using your slow cooker to make hot drinks. First, turn it to high to bring the liquids to a maximum temperature. Then turn it to low and let the flavours simmer away. Add the alcohol only at the end, a few minutes before serving. You’ll love your crockpot hot toddies because they fill the air with the aroma of savoury spices. Remember that there is only one way to serve a hot toddy and that’s warm and strong. >>
“
“
YOU’LL NEED ¼ cup whiskey 1 tablespoon honey (or more to your liking) 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ½ cup boiling water garnish with lemon slice, cinnamon stick and/or star anise DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a warmed mug and stir to combine. Garnish and enjoy.
CROCK POT
YOU’LL NEED 6 cups apple cider or apple juice ¼ cup sugar 1 – 9 inch stick cinnamon 8 whole cloves 4 star anise 1 large orange, sliced 1 lemon, sliced ½ cup bourbon DIRECTIONS Add apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and star anise into a crock-pot, cover and cook on low-heat setting for about 2 hours or on high for one hour. Add orange and lemon slices. Cover and cook for 15 minutes more. Turn cooker to low-heat setting, add the bourbon and serve. TM
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 61
GET OUTSIDE
&
GET ACTIVE WINTERTIME IN WESTERN NEW YORK
Western New York is a great place to get outside during the wintertime. Sure, it’s cold, but bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and start reveling in the wintertime! (It only comes once a year after all).
DOWNHILL SKIING
Located in Glenwood, New York (just about half an hour outside of Buffalo), Kissing Bridge is a great place to head for a day of skiing. Kissing Bridge is home to numerous runs, a couple of terrain parks, and is suitable for all levels of skiers. More information is available at kbski.com. Both day and night skiing is available. If you don’t have your own equipment, Kissing Bridge has a rental shop on site. There are a couple other options for great downhill skiing and they are only about a ten-minute drive from the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino. Holiday Valley is a large ski resort located in Ellicottville, and has 58 day slopes and 37 night trails. Both day and night skiing are available. There are slopes for all levels of skiers, as well as instructional classes for all ages. Rates vary on weekdays and weekends, and passes can be purchased for different time increments (four hours, eight hours, night, weekend) There are 13 chair lifts, and several lodges with food and drink options. Ski rentals are available right at Holiday Valley if you don’t have your own equipment. More information at holidayvalley.com Holimont is also located in Ellicottville and is North America’s largest private resort offering 52 runs and eight lifts. During the week, non-members are allowed, and rentals are available on location. More information at holimont.com.
TUBING
Just down the street from the Holiday Valley ski area is the Holiday Valley Tubing Company. The tubing area has 12 different lanes and a towrope to get you up the hill. During open hours at Holiday Valley, there is a free shuttle service that runs to and from the tubing area. Winter time hours are Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 9pm, Saturdays 11am to 9pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. Make sure to dress warm and dress in appropriate snow clothing (no cotton). Prices vary depending on how long you want to slide for. More info at holidayvalley.com/explore-our-mountain/
other-winter-activities-tubing. Kissing Bridge also has a tubing park, and it is actually Western New York’s largest downhill tubing park. This tubing park is not suitable for children under the age of seven.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING/ SNOWSHOEING
If you are not up for the fast speeds of downhill skiing, why not try cross-country? It’s definitely a great workout and when you are in Western New York, it will be scenic as well. The Allegany State Park is full of different trails that can be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or when the weather gets warmer, hiking. The park has 18 trails that span over 20 miles, most of which are used year round. Stop by the visitor center and grab a map so you can see an outline of all the trails and how to access them. A good reference is also enchantedmountains.com. Holiday Valley also offers cross-country course area. To get to the hills on top, you need to buy a two ride cross-country ticket. If you are closer to Buffalo, don’t fear, there are still tons of options for great cross country skiing, check out Akron Falls, Chestnut Ridge Park, Como Lake, Ellicott Creek, Elma Meadows, Emery Park or Sprague Brook. They are all free to access and are generally open from morning until dusk.
SK ATING
Even in the wintertime, the newly revitalized canalside in Buffalo has tons of stuff going on. In addition to a huge skating rink, they offer curling, pond hockey and broomball leagues. Ice skate rental is available for only $4, and admission to the rink is $6 for those over 13 and $4 for ages six to 12. There are also ice bikes available for rent (a fun combo of ice skating and bike riding) at a cost of $10 per half an hour. The Harborcenter in downtown Buffalo offers public skating every Sunday evening, if you like the idea of staying inside while you skate. TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 63
toPERF
ROASTED By Lynn Ogryzlo
ECTION BUFFALO’S NICK PITELLO TALKS HIS FAVOURITE WINTER DISH
It’s one of the most comforting aromas known to mankind, one of the most succulent feelings to nosh between your teeth and one of the most soothing meals you can have on a cold winters day. Mothers knew this well, that’s where the tradition of Sunday roasts came from. But the traditional Sunday roast began a little differently than our roasts today. Today we’re more inclined to buy a premium prime rib or a tenderloin for a Sunday roast. But it wasn’t always like that. “We were poor, we had to buy the cheaper cuts and roast them low and slow,” laughs restaurateur, Nick Pitello. Nick owns Osteria 166 in downtown Buffalo, Villaggio in Ellicottville and his newest venture, Mercato also in downtown Buffalo. All are known for their creative and modern approach to cooking but ask Nick the best way to cook a roast and in one, long, drawn-out word he says, "slowly." Nick remembers the scrumptious, fork tender roasts his mother would pull from the oven. The kitchen would be filled with the savoury aromas of meat and spices and he can still taste the lip-smacking juiciness of the sweet meat as it literally melted between his teeth. Now when he smells the roasting pork laced with fennel or veal shanks simmering in tomatoes and oregano it takes him right back to his childhood. Roasting is cooking with love. So why is the low and slow method so magical? Roasts are about 75 percent moisture with the water bound up in the cells. As the heat increases, the proteins shrink and the moisture is forced out either into the pan or evaporates completely. Too much heat and it has the effect of squeezing a sponge resulting in a dense, dry roast. However, understanding this process, we can use this knowledge to manage the heat and evaporation during cooking to produce a tender, juicy roast. This is what low and slow is all about. >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 65
These kinds of roasts are not traditional from an American sense but from an Italian sense, they’re EVERYTHING. If you’re not a convert yet, try Nick’s famous Porchetta. A traditional Italian roast made from the shoulder of the pig and tied with the fat-rich belly. It’s butterflied, lathered with a pesto-like concoction, bound together and roasted for 8 to 12 hours or more. In Nick’s case he uses a mixture of herbs and spices, most notable, ground fennel. “Most don’t even notice the fennel, they just love it,” says Nick. He goes through almost one thousand roasted Porchetta every season. That’s a lot of roasts considering they’re only made in the coldest months of the year. “We go through so much Porchetta we thought of a food truck,” he laughs as he finishes his thoughts in silence. At Osteria 166, each Porchetta is tied tightly and roasted at low temperatures throughout the night, then they’re removed from the ovens in the early morning. The restaurant is filled with the savoury, warm flavours of love from the ovens. Nick describes it as, “waking from a dream so good you could eat it!” At the restaurants they serve Porchetta traditional style, sliced thin and piled over a fresh bun. Theoretically, it’s like an Italian pulled pork, but without the barbecue part. They’re served with the restaurant’s house made potato chips. It’s a quintessential, casual winter dish. It’s easy to make a Porchetta at home if you have your butcher trim, butterfly and tie your roast. When you get it home, untie it and fill it with your favourite mixture of savoury spices and tie it back up. Traditional Italian Porchetta will have a final layer of pigskin wrapped around it, so the slow roasting is also self basting. The great part about this style is it produces loads
of crackling, pigskin. “No, we don’t do the crackling (at the restaurant),” laments Nick. “There just wouldn’t be enough for everyone and we don’t want to start a war now do we?” Nick stresses that picking a cut of meat suitable for the low and slow method isn’t difficult if you’re familiar with the bone structure of pigs. You’ll know that the least tender cuts of meat lie where there is the most movement and therefore the connective tissue will be tougher and demand very slow cooking with moisture. That’s why Nick insists the shoulder is laced with the fat forward belly so it creates plenty of succulent, moistness during baking. Roasting Porchetta the low and slow method doesn’t use liquid, but ask him about his popular Osso Bucco? Well, that’s another story. The Osso Bucco at Osteria 166 is braised low and slow – and braising is a cooking method that uses liquid. When cooking with liquid, the liquid should never boil, but only simmer lightly for best results. Unlike traditional veal shanks in the classic Italian dish, Nick uses pork shanks. “We love pig around here,” says Nick. The 3-finger thick shanks are slowly braised in a thick tomato and herb sauce that bubbles lightly over the stove. He pulls one from the pot and lays it on the plate. He digs into the pork shank with a spoon and it literally falls apart under the pressure, while the juices run in every direction. He offers me a taste. The rich flavours comfort me while the velvety, soft meat succumbs to the pressure of my teeth into sublime deliciousness – yum. Nick takes the tip of his knife and digs some marrow out of the centre of the bone. He spreads it across a piece of bread
he just tore from a loaf. “It’s one of the benefits of Osso Bucco,” he smiles and savours the little moment. Osso Bucco is the most popular dish in his restaurants, served with a rich, creamy risotto, “it’s the quintessential cold weather dish.” Maybe that’s why they go through almost 200 Osso Bucco dishes in a week! When you do it right, low and slow roasting or low and slow braising melts the collagen, turning it into a rich liquid – gelatin. This gives meat a lot of flavour and a wonderful silky texture. It also retains the nutrients, vitamins and flavour making it not only delicious but good for you too. “These kinds of roasts are not traditional from an American sense but from an Italian sense, they’re everything,” says Nick. So what temperature is low anyway? In the restaurant, the special ovens can be set at the same temperature as the desired internal doneness: 125 to 130 degrees Farenheight for rare, 130 to 135 for medium-rare, 140 for medium. Most home ovens cannot be set that low. Most can be set at 170 or 200 degrees Farenheight. However, a perfect roast can most certainly be produced at that temperature. “Just put it in and forget about it,” says Nick, “anyone who works at roasting ruins the roast. Leave it alone and the roast will do the rest.” We all like our meat tender and juicy and roasting slowly with an inexpensive cut of meat is where all the good stuff happens. A roast is the consummate comfort food for supper. Thinking of his mother Nick says, “what could be a better way of making people feel that someone in the kitchen has been thinking and caring about you?” TM
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